Feminization of poverty

Understanding the Feminization of Poverty

The feminization of poverty isn’t a new phenomenon, but its visibility has increased with growing awareness of gender inequalities. It’s crucial to understand that it’s not merely an economic issue; it’s deeply intertwined with social, cultural, and political factors.

Factors Contributing to Feminization of Poverty in India

• Economic Factors:
  • Gender Wage Gap: Women consistently earn less than men for the same work, even after controlling for education and experience. (PLFS 2022-23 data shows a gender wage gap of approximately 19%).
  • Limited Access to Employment: Women face barriers to entering the formal labour market due to societal norms, lack of childcare facilities, and discrimination.
  • Informal Sector Dominance: A large proportion of women are employed in the informal sector, characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and lack of social protection.
  • Land Ownership Disparities: Women have limited land ownership rights, hindering their access to credit and economic empowerment. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 76th round (2018-19), only 12.8% of landholdings are owned by women.
• Social and Cultural Factors:
  • Patriarchal Norms: Traditional gender roles often prioritize men’s economic activities and limit women’s opportunities.
  • Early Marriage and Childbearing: Early marriage and frequent childbearing interrupt women’s education and employment.
  • Son Preference: Son preference leads to neglect of girls’ education and health, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
  • Limited Access to Education: Lower educational attainment restricts women’s access to better-paying jobs.
• Political and Legal Factors:
  • Weak Enforcement of Laws: Despite laws guaranteeing equal rights, their implementation is often weak, particularly in rural areas.
  • Lack of Political Representation: Underrepresentation of women in decision-making bodies limits their ability to influence policies that address their needs.
  • Inadequate Social Security: Limited access to social security schemes and pensions leaves women vulnerable in old age.

Impacts of Feminization of Poverty

• Health and Nutrition: Poor women are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and increased vulnerability to diseases.
• Education of Children: Mothers’ poverty negatively impacts children’s access to education and healthcare, perpetuating intergenerational poverty.
• Increased Vulnerability to Violence: Economic insecurity increases women’s vulnerability to domestic violence and exploitation.
• Social Exclusion: Poverty leads to social exclusion and marginalization, limiting women’s participation in society.

Addressing the Feminization of Poverty

Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Empowering Women Economically: Promoting women’s access to education, skills development, credit, and employment opportunities.
• Strengthening Social Protection: Expanding social security schemes, providing childcare facilities, and ensuring access to healthcare.
• Promoting Gender Equality: Challenging patriarchal norms, enacting and enforcing laws that protect women’s rights, and increasing women’s political representation.
• Land Rights Reform: Ensuring women’s equal rights to land ownership and inheritance.
• Targeted Interventions: Implementing programs specifically designed to address the needs of vulnerable women, such as single mothers and widows.